Louisa Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Her Grace The Duchess of Devonshire
Photographic portrait, 1884
Mistress of the Robes
In office 24 February 1858 – 11 June 1859
Preceded by	The Duchess of Sutherland
Succeeded by	The Duchess of Sutherland
Personal details
Born	Luise Friederike Auguste, Countess von Alten 15 June 1832 Hanover, Kingdom of Hanover
Died	15 July 1911(1911-07-15) (aged 79) Esher Park, Surrey, England
Resting place	Edensor, Derbyshire, England
Spouses	William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester ​ ​ (m. 1852; died 1890)​ Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire ​ ​ (m. 1892; died 1908)​
Children	George Montagu, 8th Duke of Manchester Mary Louisa, Duchess of Hamilton Louisa Augusta, Countess of Gosford Lord Charles Montagu Alice Maude, Countess of Derby
Parents	Karl Franz Viktor, Count von Alten Hermine von Schminke

Louisa Frederica Augusta Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (born Luise Friederike Auguste, Countess von Alten; 15 June 1832 – 15 July 1911) was a German-born British noblewoman. She was sometimes called the "Double Duchess." This was because she married two Dukes. First, she married the 7th Duke of Manchester. Later, she married the 8th Duke of Devonshire.

Early Life and Family

Luise Friederike Auguste, Countess von Alten, was born on June 15, 1832. Her birthplace was Hanover, which was then part of the Kingdom of Hanover. Her parents were Karl Franz Viktor, Count von Alten, and Hermine von Schminke. She had several siblings.

Serving the Queen

Louisa became a very important person in society. In February 1858, when she was 26, she was chosen for a special role. She became the Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria. This meant she was in charge of the Queen's clothes and jewelry. She also helped the Queen with her daily life.

Louisa left this role in June 1859 when the government changed. Queen Victoria was sad to see her go. The Queen called her "a very pleasant, nice, sensible person." Louisa also became good friends with the future King Edward VII and his wife, Alexandra.

An interesting story from 1859 tells how Louisa was playing a game called "paper chase." While climbing over a fence, her wide skirt (called a crinoline) got caught. Her skirt flew up, showing her red drawers to everyone. The French ambassador, Duc de Malakoff, reportedly exclaimed, "C'était diabolique!" which means "That was devilish!"

The Devonshire House Ball

In July 1897, the Duchess hosted a huge party. It was called the Devonshire House Fancy Dress Ball. This party took place at Devonshire House, which was the London home of the Dukes of Devonshire.

The ball was a costume party. It was held to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. This was a special event marking 60 years of her rule. Many important people attended. The Prince of Wales, who would later become King, thought the party was a great success. At the ball, the Duchess dressed up as Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, an ancient queen.

Marriages and Children

Illustration of Kimbolton Castle in 1880, which shows the present mansion as rebuilt between 1690 and 1720

On July 22, 1852, Louisa married Viscount Mandeville in Hanover. He was the oldest son of the 6th Duke of Manchester. When his father passed away in 1855, he became the 7th Duke of Manchester. Louisa then became the Duchess of Manchester.

They had five children together:

• George Victor Drogo Montagu, 8th Duke of Manchester (1853–1892). He married Consuelo Yznaga and had children.
• Lady Mary Louisa Elizabeth Montagu (1854–1934). She married the 12th Duke of Hamilton and later Robert Carnaby Forster.
• Lady Louisa Augusta Beatrice Montagu (1856–1944). She married the 4th Earl of Gosford and had children.
• Lord Charles William Augustus Montagu (1860–1939). He married Mildred Cecilia Harriet Sturt.
• Lady Alice Maude Olivia Montagu (1862–1957). She married the 17th Earl of Derby and had children.

Louisa and the Duke of Manchester eventually lived apart for many years. Louisa became close friends with Spencer Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington. She was also a well-known hostess for political events. The Duke of Manchester died in 1890.

On August 16, 1892, Louisa married Lord Hartington. By this time, he had become the 8th Duke of Devonshire. She was 60 years old. This marriage made her the Duchess of Devonshire, which is why she was known as the "Double Duchess."

After the Duke of Devonshire died in 1908, Louisa became a widow for the second time. She passed away on July 15, 1911, at the age of 79, after a seizure at the Sandown Races. She was buried in Edensor, Derbyshire.

Gallery

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  Painting of the then Duchess of Manchester, 1859

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  Photograph of the then Duchess of Manchester by Camille Silvy, 1860

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  Photograph of the then Duchess of Manchester, Le Jeune, c. 1867

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  The Duchess of Devonshire as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, 1897